GO ATLANTA! THE FILLY CAPTURES THE HAMBLETONIAN

By Mike Farrell, for the Meadowlands

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Rick Zeron, an admitted crier, had reason to well up Saturday after the 93^rd Hambletonian.

Not only had the veteran horseman won the trotting classic in his first try. His son Scott was in the sulky to make it a family affair, and the high point of a 43-year-old career.

And he got the job done with a filly, the very determined Atlanta.

“This is a dream come true,” said Rick Zeron. “That’s my specialty, trotters. I live and breathe to train a trotter, especially a filly. It’s more satisfying for me to train a filly to get where I am today, to win what I did today, than with a colt. It’s a bigger challenge.”

Atlanta won the $1 million Hambletonian on Saturday, becoming the 14^th filly to capture the famed trotting race for 3-year-olds.

It was an emotional victory for the father-son team from Oakville, Ontario.

The filly won the Hambletonian the hard way, setting the pace and holding on gamely in the lane.

Scott Zeron employed those tactics earlier in the day in the first of two eliminations, and got Atlanta beat after setting a wicked pace.

Remarkably, Atlanta regrouped quickly after the punishing mile.

“I spoke to my assistant trainer Ernie Henry who has looked after since she was 18 months old,” said Rick Zeron. “He said it took her about 7 to 10 minutes longer than usual to get her wind back. After that, she was absolutely perfect. He said we were good to go.”

That was an understatement.

In the final, Atlanta was again on the lead. This time, Zeron did a better job of rationing her speed.

Atlanta responded by kicking away from challenger Tactical Landing at the top of the stretch to open a 3-length advantage.

She trotted strongly to wire, winning by 1 length over 29-1 shot Met’s Hall.

“I’ve said it to a few people close to me,” said Scott Zeron. “She’s the best horse I ever drove. Everything is so fluid and effortless. The mile (in the elimination) just got away from me. I was mad at myself. That’s not how I wanted to head into the final. If she was a champion, she would bounce back and she did.”

The time was 1:50 4/5 for the mile.

It was the second Hambletonian victory for Scott Zeron. He was at the lines when Marion Marauder won in 2016.

Atlanta, the 2-1 second choice, paid $6.40, $4.20 and $3.60.

Mets Hall returned $19.40 and $7.60. Tactical Landing paid $3.40 to show.

Crystal Fashion was fourth as the 9-5 favorite followed by Evaluate, Alarm Detector, Classichap, Patent Leather, Hat Trick Habit and Fashionwoodchopper.

The win was worth $500,000 for the ownership team of Rick Zeron, Crawford Farms, Holland Racing, Howard Taylor and Bradley Grant.

The Hambletonian kicks off the Triple Crown for trotters. The series continues with the Yonkers Trot on Sept. 1and Kentucky Futurity on Oct. 7.

There were two $100,000 elimination heats earlier on the card with the first five finishers in each advancing to the Hambletonian final.

Crystal Fashion nipped Atlanta in first elimination, trotting the mile in 1:50 1/5 and paying $10 to win.

Wolfgang, the 6-5 favorite, was sixth and missed the cut.

Tactical Landing took the second elimination in 1:52 1/5 in a 6-1 upset, beating 74-1 shot Patent Leather by 1¼ lengths.

Six Pack, the 2-5 choice, finished fifth but was disqualified for stretch interference and placed sixth.

BIG CROWD AT BIG M: A total of 18,252 came out for the on-track Hambletonian experience, despite bad weather early in the day.

“I’d like to thank our fans, owners, drivers, trainers, grooms and employees for supporting what is not only our biggest day here at the Meadowlands, but harness racing’s biggest day,” said Jason Settlemoir, the track’s chief operating officer and general manager.

HAMBO HIGHLIGHTS: Tim Tetrick swept the late double and finished the day with four driving victories. Scott Zeron and Yannick Gingras won three apiece. … Trainer Jimmy Takter had five winners on the day. … The first 14 races on the card saw only one winning favorite, before Tetrick finished the day with the all-chalk double at odds of 3-5 and 7-5. … On-track handle was just short of $1.1 million, with all-source wagering totaling $5,669,720, smashing the previous 2018 industry-best (established on Meadowlands Pace Night) by $1,586,330. … Harness racing returns to the Big M on Oct. 12.

SHARTIN N SCORES IN LADY LIBERTY

Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. --- Shartin N won Saturday’s $197,400 Lady Liberty for pacing mares, taking the lead on the backstretch and holding off Pure Country and Blue Moon Stride in 2:04.1 in the 1-1/8 miles race at the Meadowlands. The margin of victory was a half-length.

Caviart Ally was the early leader, hitting the first quarter in :26.4, followed by Apple Bottom Jeans, Call Me Queen Be, Shartin N. Call Me Queen Be took a brief lead, but was overtaken by Shartin N by the time the group reached the half in :54.3.

Shartin N controlled the fractions from there, getting to three-quarters in 1:22 and the mile in 1:50. Pure Country was third over at three-quarters and made a late rally, but was unable to get to the front.

“We kind of got messed up leaving out of there,” winning driver Tim Tetrick said. “My mare has made a break or two off the gate, so I was trying to be a little careful. I got lucky to get out there. She’s done nothing but be great, and she did it again today. She doesn’t always win by a lot, but she gets it done.”

Shartin N is a 5-year-old daughter of TinTin In America out of Bagdarin. She has won 13 of 17 races this year and 20 of 30 lifetime for earnings of $764,857. She is owned by Richard Poilluci and Jo Ann Looney-King.

Sent off as the 3-5 favorite, Shartin N paid $3.20, $2.20, $2.10. Pure Country paid $3.40 and $2.60. Blue Moon Stride paid $6.20.

LONG SHOT PROVES TOUGH AS STEELE

Meadowlands Media Relations

East Rutherford, NJ - Dream Together (Bob McClure) was the winner by a neck of the $154,800 Dr. John Steele Memorial Trot for older mares on August 4 at The Meadowlands. The four year-old mare is trained by Luc Blais and owned by Determination Stable of Montreal.   

Ariana G (Yannick Gingras) was first to the lead at the :27 first quarter and held that lead through the :55 half and the 1:23.3 three quarters.  When the field hit the trop of the stretch, Ariana G was still on the lead, but Dream Together was on the move from fourth place and overtook the leaders for the win in 1:51 3/5, her first win since mid May.

Ariana G faded to fifth and Broadway Donna (David Miller) closed strongly to be second, Caprice Hill (Doug McNair) was third. 

Dream Together returned $105.60, $49.60 and $25.20 and topped a $1,031 exacta with second place finisher Broadway Donna ($6.20, $6.40).  The trifecta was $2,883.40 with third-place finisher Caprice Hill ($9.00).

WESTERN JOE WINS MCKEE MEMORIAL

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. --- August 4, 2018 -  Western Joe angled off the pylons in the stretch and fanned four- wide around a group of horses, including even-money favorite McWicked, to win Saturday’s $260,100 Sam McKee Memorial for older pacers at the Meadowlands. The time for the race, contested at 1-1/8 miles, was 2:02.

McWicked, the even-money favorite, finished second and Filibuster Hanover was third.

Filibuster Hanover led the field to the opening quarter in :26.1 before All Bets Off got to the front and reached the half in :54.4. Miso Fast challenged All Bets Off as they reached three-quarters in 1:21, with McWicked on the move three wide on the final turn. The field hit the mile in 1:48.2.

Western Joe was second behind Filibuster Hanover around the first turn and remained inside, shuffling between fifth and sixth place, before the stretch.

“I didn’t know what was going to happen,” winning driver Scott Zeron said. “He’s the type of horse that can always leave for position and just stay in. I don’t think re-moving would have been the right option. At that time, sitting third on the rail with the kind of speed we were going up the backside and around the last turn was perfect. He runs out a little bit, so when I was able to feed him racetrack to the outside, I knew he was going to get up.”

Western Joe, a 4-year-old stallion trained by Chris Choate, is a son of Western Ideal out of Ante Fay. He has won nine of 22 races this year and 18 of 51 in his career. His lifetime earnings are $462,655 for breeder/owner Anthony Ruggeri and Richard Tosies.

Sent off at 5-2, Western Joe paid $7.60, $3.00, and $2.80. McWicked paid $2.80 and $2.60. Filibuster Hanover paid $5.40.

The McKee Memorial, formerly the U.S. Pacing Championship, honors the late Meadowlands Racetrack announcer and Communicators Hall of Fame member Sam McKee, who passed away in 2017.

TACTICAL LANDING SCORES WIN IN SECOND HAMBLETONIAN ELIM

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – August 4, 2018 – Tactical Landing took the tactical route outside to avoid inside traffic and win the second $100,000 Hambletonian Elimination, the ninth race, on Saturday afternoon at the Meadowlands Racetrack.

The Jimmy Takter driven and trained three-year-old son of Muscle Hill scored his third consecutive win, crossing the wire in 1:52.2.  He returned $14.80, $7.80, $7.20.  It was a quarter length back to Patent Leather ($50.20, $36.20) in second and Fashionwoodchopper ($21.40) in third by 1 ¾ lengths.  Also advancing to the final were fourth place Alarm Detector and Classichap in fifth.

The Tactical Landing Stable of Perrysburg, OH  owns Tactical Landing, who was only making his sixth career start.

“He’s inexperienced, but he’s a strong horse to go heats,” said Takter. 

Six Pack, the 2-5 favorite, hooked wheels in the stretch, finished sixth and will miss the $1 million Hambletonian Final.

LONG SHOTS RULE AT BIG M

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The night before the 93^rd Hambletonian it was bombs away at the Meadowlands Friday, as a track that had seen 29 favorites score in its previous 60 races (48 percent) became the land of long shots.

Five times on the 12-race card the winner’s odds were 16-1 or higher, and even though the 50-Cent Pick-5 saw a 2-5 shot win leg four, the payout was still a hefty $12,016.25.

The non-chalk parade began in the opening race when amateur driver Roberto Michelotto guided Cheeky Little Minx ($48.60) to victory in an event for Hambletonian Amateur Drivers.

The second amateur drivers race saw Jennifer Lappe guide Fox Valley Steffen ($69.80) to victory lane in race five. Ake Svanstedt, who has a big chance to win both the Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks Saturday, took race seven with Can’t Afford It ($35.80) before Sprinter N ($69.80) rocked the clock to the tune of 1:48.3 in the eighth.

The ninth race saw Steve Smith score with Atlas Alliance N ($49.60) to complete a Pick-3 that returned a whopping $6,797.00, while the 50-Cent Pick-4 (races eight through 11) came back $6,128.50 - despite being anchored by 3-1 and 3-5 winners - given the big prices that started the sequence in the eighth and ninth.

A LITTLE MORE: Brett Miller, Andy Miller and Andy McCarthy all recorded driving doubles. … All-source handle totaled $2,332,354.

HAMBO DAY! The 93^rd edition of the Hambletonian is the centerpiece for Saturday’s 16-race, stakes-laden card at the Big M. Doors open at 10 a.m. Post time for the first race is noon. Post time for the Hambletonian is 5:14 p.m. If you can’t make it to the track, the Hambo can be seen live on the CBS Sports Network. The 90-minute broadcast begins at 4 p.m.

STAY HUNGRY CHARGES TO WIN IN CANE PACE

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. --- August 4, 2018 – Stay Hungry, driven by Doug McNair, charged down the stretch to win the 64^th edition of $281,000 Cane Pace by 1 1-2 lengths over 60-1 longshot Grand Teton in stakes record-tying fashion of 1:47 3/5 to take the first leg of Pacing’s Triple Crown for 3-year-olds, contested as the seventh race on Saturday afternoon at the Meadowlands.

Trained by Tony Alagna, Stay Hungry, who finished third to Courtly Choice in the Meadowlands Pace, overtook Grand Teton for his third win of the season, ninth of his career and setting a new stakes record and career mark.

Stay Hungry tied the stakes record set by Dealt A Winner, driven by David Miller and trained by Mark Silva, in 2015.

The O’Brien Award-winner Stay Hungry rewarded his backers by paying $9.40, $5.00 and $3.40. Grand Teton paid $40.20 and $15.60 while Babes Dig Me, with Brett Miller in the sulky, finished third, paying $9.40.

“He has high, high speed. So if put you him in the right spot and there’s lots of fractions he’s gonna pay something and be real close,” said McNair.

This was McNair’s first career Cane Pace win for McNair and the second for Alagna, who won in 2013 with Captaintreacherous.

Stay Hungry races for the ownbership of Bradley Grant of Milton, Ontario and Irwin Samelman of Las Vegas, NV.

Subsequent legs of the Triple Crown include Messenger Stakes at Yonkers Raceway in Yonkers, New York on Sept. 1 and The Little Brown Jug at the Delaware County Fair in Delaware, Ohio on Sept. 20.

CRYSTAL FASHION TAKES FIRST HAMBLETONIAN HEAT IN 1:50 1/5

EAST RUTERFORDS, NJ – August 4, 2018 – Atlanta blazed the fractions but it was Crystal Fashion who got up at the wire to win the eighth race, the first of two $100,000 Hambletonian Elimination heats on Saturday afternoon at the Meadowlands Racetrack.

Crystal Fashion, driven by Tim Tetrick and trained by Jim Campbell, crossed the wire in 1:50 1/5, for a neck victory over the filly, Atlanta, with 5 ½ lengths back to Met’s Hall in third.  The time equaled the stakes and track record for a 3-year-old trotting gelding.

Evaluate and Hat Trick Habit finished fourth and fifth, respectively, to advance to the $1 million Hambletonian Final.

“I liked my chances to make the final,” said Tetrick.  “I tipped him to chase the mare down.  My horse made up a lot of ground [from sixth] to catch that mare.”

Crystal Fashion paid $10.00, $4.20, $3.00.  Atlanta, sent off at 8-5, returned $3.60, $3.00.  Met’s Hall, 40-1, paid $9.60 to show. 

The winner, a son of Cantab Hall, was bred by Hanover Shoe Farms and races in the name of Fashion Farms LLC of New Hope, PA. 

CASHMAN MEMORIAL WON BY MARION MARAUDER

East Rutherford, NJ- August 4, 2018  - The 2016 Hambletonian winner Marion Marauder returned to the scene of his greatest victory to win the $286,650 John Cashman Memorial for open trotters, the sixth race on Saturday afternoon at the Meadowlands. 

He is the first Hambletonian winner to take the Cashman, formerly known as the Nat Ray Trot,  since Mack Lobell, who won the Hambletonian in 1987 and the Cashman in 1988.   He trotted the 1 1/8 mile distance in 2:06 with a mile time of 1:51.4, matching his Hambletonian clocking.

I Know My Chip (Victory Kirby) got to the 26.1 first quarter at the head of the dozen horse pack, soon overtaken by Marion Marauder, who then led the field to the 54.2 half.  The 2017 Horse of the Year and the sole mare in the race, Hannelore Hanover, was three-wide and moving to the lead, going three wide, and held it to the 1:23.2 three quarters. 

As the field turned to go home, Will Take Charge (Tim Tetrick) came off the rail to challenge  Hannelore and while those two were battling it out in deep stretch, Marion Marauder ranged up on the outside to win by a neck over Will Take Charge in 2:06.   Hannalore Hanover was third by a half-length. 

“He just has the will to win,” said winning driver Scott Zeron.  “It’s just a matter of me getting him into the race, which has been difficult some places. But when he’s within reaching distance, doesn’t he always seem to get up?

“The trip couldn’t have worked out any better,” Zeron added. “He needed that whole quarter to get to the front. When he did, (In Secret) was at my wheel and I noticed that Yannick had made that three-wide move, which was even better. To follow him through the back half of the race was great. It was good for my horse not to have to cut the entire mile and an eighth. I couldn’t be any happier with the way it went.”

Marion Marauder returned $10.40 $4.60 $3.00, the exacta with Will Take Charge ($5.20 $3.20) was $41.60 and the 8-1-12 trifecta with Hannelore Hanover ($2.10) was $140.00.   

The winner is owned by Ontario residents Marion Wellwood and Devin Keeling and is trained by Paula Wellwood. 

THE ICE DUTCHESS FREEZES OUT FOES IN DOHERTY

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – August 4, 2018 - The Ice Dutchess won Saturday’s $357,450 James Doherty Memorial for 2-year-old filly trotters, besting Beautiful Sin by a neck in 1:53 4/5 at the Meadowlands.

Hanna Dreamgirl was third by three-quarters of a length.

The Ice Dutchess and Beautiful Sin both are from the stable of trainer Jimmy Takter, who has won the Doherty Memorial three years in a row and six of the last nine editions.

Johnny Takter, Jimmy’s brother, drove The Ice Dutchess and put the filly in front on the backstretch after Hanovers Best left quickly from post nine and set the tempo of :28 to the first quarter. The Ice Dutchess yielded the lead to Beautiful Sin at the half, reached in :56.4, and followed the leader through three-quarters in 1:25.4.

After turning for home, Johnny Takter and The Ice Dutchess found room inside and trotted to her second win in three starts. Her loss was by a nose in last week’s Doherty eliminations.

The Ice Dutchess is a daughter of Muscle Hill out of The Ice Queen and a full sister to stakes-winner Ice Attraction. She was purchased for $320,000 at last fall’s Standardbred Horse Sale and is owned by John Floren’s Coyote Wynd Farms. She pushed her earnings to $189,790.

The Ice Dutchess paid $12.80, $4.80 and $3.40 Beautiful Sin paid $2.60 and $2.20. Hanna Dreamgirl paid $3.40.

DON’T LET’EM CRUISES TO PETER HAUGHTON MEMORIAL WIN

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. --- August 4, 2018 - Don’t Let’em, driven by Yannick Gingras, led wire-to-wire to win by 3 1/4 lengths, setting a stakes and track record of 1:51 4/5 in the 38^th edition of $422,350 Peter Haughton Memorial Final for two-year-old trotting colts and geldings, the fourth race on Saturday afternoon at the Meadowlands.

By winning the Peter Haughton, Don’t  is the early favorite for the 2019 Hambletonian as the race has always served as a preview to harness racing’s biggest trotting race.

Wallner previously held the track record of 1:53, set on  October 29, 2016.

At odds of 3-1, Don’t Let’em took the lead at the quarter in 27.1 and never looked back. Don’t Let’em paid $8.00, $4.20, and $3.20.

The 11-1 Green Manalishi S ($12.20, $9.80), driven by David Miller, finished second and Mass Fortune K finished third ($27.00) by 6 ¼ lengths.

“It doesn’t surprise anyone from the farm or any of the ownership. He is a very, very talented horse,” said General Manager Art Zubrod of Brittany Farms, the co-owner and breeder of the Muscle Hill colt who is also owned by Christina Takter, John Fielding and Herb Liverman.  The winning trainer is Jimmy Takter.

This was Gingras’s second win of the day and his fourth Haughton win, having won with You Know You Do (1:54.2) in 2017, Southwind Frank (1:53.4) in 2015 and Father Patrick (1:54.1) in 2013.

DON’T LET’EM CRUISES TO PETER HAUGHTON MEMORIAL WIN

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. --- August 4, 2018 - Don’t Let’em, driven by Yannick Gingras, led wire-to-wire to win by 3 1/4 lengths, setting a stakes and track record of 1:51 4/5 in the 38^th edition of $422,350 Peter Haughton Memorial Final for two-year-old trotting colts and geldings, the fourth race on Saturday afternoon at the Meadowlands.

By winning the Peter Haughton, Don’t  is the early favorite for the 2019 Hambletonian as the race has always served as a preview to harness racing’s biggest trotting race.

Wallner previously held the track record of 1:53, set on  October 29, 2016.

At odds of 3-1, Don’t Let’em took the lead at the quarter in 27.1 and never looked back. Don’t Let’em paid $8.00, $4.20, and $3.20.

The 11-1 Green Manalishi S ($12.20, $9.80), driven by David Miller, finished second and Mass Fortune K finished third ($27.00) by 6 ¼ lengths.

“It doesn’t surprise anyone from the farm or any of the ownership. He is a very, very talented horse,” said General Manager Art Zubrod of Brittany Farms, the co-owner and breeder of the Muscle Hill colt who is also owned by Christina Takter, John Fielding and Herb Liverman.

This was Gingras’s second win of the day and his fourth Haughton win, having won with You Know You Do (1:54.2) in 2017, Southwind Frank (1:53.4) in 2015 and Father Patrick (1:54.1) in 2013.

MUSCLE DIAMOND WINS VINCENNES

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. --- August 4, 2018 - Muscle Diamond got a second-over trip behind Gural Hanover around the final turn before surging to the lead in the stretch to win Saturday’s $30,000 Vincennes open trot by a neck over Satin Dancer in 1:51 over track labeled sloppy because of morning rain at the Meadowlands.

Lagerfeld was third.

Muscle Diamond, who raced without shoes, was fifth through the first half of the race before making his move with driver Andy McCarthy following a battle up front between Gural Hanover and favorite Obrigado.

“There were some nice horses in there,” winning trainer Brett Bittle said. “I’ve never pulled his front shoes off, and I was worried about the track today doing it. I’ve pulled his back shoes off quite often and it’s seemed to agree with him. I know he won today but it didn’t look like it really agreed with him. I didn’t think he was gaited that great, but he got it done.”

Muscle Diamond is a 6-year-old stallion owned by Charles Keller III, Charles Keller IV, Dan Bittle and Brett Bittle. The son of Muscle Hill-Windylane Hanover has won 14 of 46 races and $720,099 in his career.

Obrigado, a former Dan Patch Award-winner, finished fourth. Pinkman, the 2015 Hambletonian winner, was fifth.

Muscle Diamond paid $6.00, $3.80 and $2.80.  Satin Dancer returned $13.80 and $6.60.  Lagerfeld paid $3.40. 

Winndevie remains unbeaten with NYSS win at Tioga Downs.

Three divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for 2-year-old trotting fillies took center stage at a soggy Tioga Downs on Friday (August 3).

In the first division of the NYSS ($35,866, Winndevie (Jim Meittinis) nips Amal Hall (Marcus Miller) in an exciting stretch drive.

Qiss Me Blue Chip (Rick Zeron) led them to a first quarter of :30.1,  Amal Hall then took control leading them to a half of 1:00.3 and three-quarters in 1:29.2.

Winndevie ($3.50) made her move at the half .  Owned by Purple Haze Stables and trained by Trond Smedshammer, she took over second before the three-quarter.  Winndevie and Amal Hall then matched strides around the last turn and all the way down the stretch with neither filly giving an inch.  Winndevie made one last lunge to capture the mile in a lifetime best of 1:58.0.  Amal Hall had to settle for second best with Qiss Me Blue Chip taking third.

Winndevie is a 2-year-old filly by Credit Winner-Vida De Vie.  She is now a perfect four for four in her young career.  Meittinis drove two more winners on the night.  His other wins came with Persistent Bettor ($6.00) and Royalpine Princess ($3.50).

Quincy Blue Chip (Jim Morrill Jr.) charges late to win the second division of the NYSS ($36,566).

Liquorstoreblues (Kim Crawford) led to a first quarter in :28.3.  Sweet Chapter (Rick Zeron) blew by just after the first quarter and easily led the group to the half in :57.4 and was the first one to three-quarters in 1:26.3.

Quincy Blue Chip ($3.00) was six lengths back after three-quarters.  Owned by Blue Chip Bloodstock Inc. and trained by Gareth Dowse, she just flew down the stretch to win in 1:56.1.  With Out A Doubt (Marcus Miller) came on late to finish second with Thanks For Leaving (Jeff Gregory) finishing third.

Quincy Blue Chip is a 2-year-old filly by Chapter Seven-Sirenuse.  It was her third win in four career starts.

Woodside Charm (Verlin Yoder) was impressive in NYSS debut, winning the third division ($36,566).

Conway Kellyanne (Charlie Norris) controlled the first half of the race (:28.1, :58.3).

Woodside Charm ($3.30) followed in the pocket until the middle of the backstretch.  Owned and trained by Yoder, she brushed to the lead hitting three-quarters in 1:26.2 and breezed in the stretch winning in 1:55.2.  She was just 1/5 of a second off the track record .  Stella Jane (Jim Morrill Jr.) finished second.  Sensibility (Mike Simons) was third best.

Woodside Charm is a 2-year-old filly by Chapter Seven-Fireworks Hanover.  She is now two for two in her career.

Tioga Downs returns to live racing with a 13 race card on Saturday (August 4) at 6:15 p.m.

For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com

NEWBORN SASSY WINS FRIDAY NIGHT 44G DISTAFF DERBY

BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway

YONKERS, NY, Friday, August 3, 2018—Favored Newborn Sassy (Jordan Stratton, $4) rated her rivals into submission Friday night (Aug. 3^rd), winning Yonkers Raceway’s $44,000 Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace.

Away alertly from assigned post position No. 5, Newborn Sassy worked around Caviart Cherie, making the lead before a :27.4 opening quarter-mile.  She then pilfered a :29.2 second quarter (:57.1 intermission), effectively ending the melodrama.

Agent Q (birthday boy [45] Eric Goodell) tried it first-up third from third, speeding up the sojourn but never getting close in and out of a 1:24.3 three-quarters.

With that foe dispensed, Newborn Sassy opened a length-and-a-quarter lead into the lane. She then beat the other ladies up, widening to 3¾ lengths at the 1:52.3 wire.

Second went to Caviart Cherie, with a third-over Magic Forces (George Brennan) third. Bronze Over N (Dan Dube) and Made of Jewel AS (Joe Bongiorno) settled for the minors.

For Newborn Sassy, a 5-year-old daughter of Western Ideal owned by CC Racing & Joann Looney-King and trained by Jim King Jr., it was her sixth win in in 23 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $16.20, the triple returned $122.50 and the superfecta paid $657.

Note the Raceway shall open earlier (11:30 AM) for Saturday (Aug. 4^th) simulcasting in advance of early post times from the Meadowlands (Hambletonian), the Meadows and Gulfstream.

Horseplay Car Giveaway This Friday Night at the Meadowlands

This Friday, August 3 Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment is giving away a brand new 2018 Toyota Corolla LE.

Racetrack guests can enter to win by picking up a free horse to toss at the Horseplay Promo Car at the Players Club desk or the Horseplay table in front of the Winner’s Circle.  

Participants attempt to throw their numbered horse into the window of a moving car. A winner, randomly chosen from all the horses that make it into the car, will receive a $100 betting voucher. Friday night’s winner along with the other 24 season winners are entered into a grand prize drawing to win the 2018 Toyota Corolla LE.  

For every horse that makes it into the Horseplay car during the season, Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment donates $10 to the designated monthly charity. The May donation recipient K9 Soldiers, Inc/The Argos Project received $2,320; $2,760 was donated to Bergen County Horse Rescue in June, and the July/August charity recipient, Homefront will receive over $2,100. 

For complete Horseplay rules visit PlayMeadowlands.com  

SPECIAL LABEL HAMBLETONIAN WINE CREATED FOR AMERICA’S CLASSIC TROTTING RACE

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – In celebration of the 93^rd edition of America’s greatest harness race, the Hambletonian Society, Meadowlands Racetrack and Tomasello Winery have teamed up to provide fans and guests with three special limited edition wine selections.

The $1 million Hambletonian is raced Saturday afternoon, Aug. 4 as the finale to the championship meet at The Meadowlands Racetrack, East Rutherford, NJ.  Post time is 12 noon.

Entitled “The Hambletonian at the Meadowlands”, the Hammonton-based winery (the second-oldest active in the Garden State) will produce a Pinot Grigio, a Pinot Noir and a Chardonnay exclusively for Saturday’s edition that will be available for purchase Friday, Aug 3 and Saturday. Aug. 4 at the Meadowlands Racetrack.

“We are honored to have produced three custom wines for the Hambletonian Society, please enjoy in the company of family and close friends,” said Tomasello Winery vice president Jack Tomasello.

The Hambletonian Stakes race, the most prestigious harness race for trotters in North America, is named in honor of Hambletonian 10.

The label was created by Meadowlands Racetrack’s graphic designer Kathleen Estes, based on a famous image of Hambletonian, the foundation sire of the Standardbred horse breed. Hambletonian 10, or Rysdyk's Hambletonian, (May 5, 1849 – 1876) was an American trotter born in Sugar Loaf, New York in 1849.

In 24 seasons at stud, between 1851 and 1875, Hambletonian produced about 1,335 foals. Through four of Hambletonian's sons (George Wilkes, Dictator, Happy Medium, and Electioneer), the lineage of virtually all North American Standardbred horses can be traced to him.  At age 27 on March 27, 1876, Hambletonian died. Both he and his owner, who had died in 1870, were buried in Chester, N.Y.

Tomasello Winery is a fourth generation family-owned winery producing award winning wines since 1933. Tomasello is one of the largest winegrowers in New Jersey, having 70 acres of grapes under cultivation, and producing 75,000 cases of wine per year, distributing in over half of the United States and also exporting to the Pacific Rim. In addition to wines, Tomasello produces sparkling wines, hard ciders, fruit wines and ports.  Tomasello Winery has 10 retail outlets thought out the Garden State and their wines are distributed by Fedway and available in over 800 retail wine stores in the state.

HUGE HAMBO DAY HANDLE EXPECTED AT BIG M

Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Meadowlands Pace Night produced the biggest single-card handle in all of harness racing in 2018. On Saturday afternoon, that number – $4,083,390 – figures to be eclipsed on a star-studded 16-race program on Hambletonian Day at the Big M.

The marathon day at the races kicks off with a special noon post time for the first race and bettors can get right to it trying to make a score when a guaranteed $50,000 will be up for grabs in the 50-Cent Pick-5, which has a low take out of 15 percent.

The action continues fast and furious as another $50,000 guarantee will be offered on the 50-Cent Pick-4 that kicks off with race three. After that, a 20-Cent Survivor Pick-8 (instead of the usual Pick-10) begins in race five before a $75,000 guaranteed 50-Cent Pick-4 that commences in race eight.

The final four races on the card (races 13 through 16) will comprise the final 50-Cent Pick-4 of the 2017-18 Big M meeting. The 13^th race is the $1 million Hambletonian Final.

Hambletonian Day post times:

Race 1: noon (Vincennes)

Race 2: 12:20 p.m. (Shady Daisy)

Race 3: 12:42 p.m. (Zanzuccki)

Race 4: 1:02 p.m. (Peter Haughton Memorial)

Race 5: 1:32 p.m. (Jim Doherty Memorial)

Race 6: 2:02 p.m. (John Cashman Memorial)

Race 7: 2:25 p.m. (Cane Pace)

Race 8: 2:52 p.m. (Hambletonian Elimination 1)

Race 9: 3:23 p.m. (Hambletonian Elimination 2)

Race 10: 3:55 p.m. (Drazin)

Race 11: 4:10 p.m. (Sam McKee Memorial)

Race 12: 4:35 p.m. (Hambletonian Oaks Final)

Race 13: 5:06 p.m. (Hambletonian Final)

Race 14: 5:46 p.m. (Steele Memorial)

Race 15: 6:08 p.m. (Lady Liberty)

Race 16: 6:31 p.m. (Abercrombie)

HAMBO ON CBSSN: The 93^rd edition of the Hambletonian will be seen live by a national television audience as the CBS Sports Network (CBSSN) will present 90 minutes of Hambo Day coverage beginning at 4 p.m.

Hall of Famer Gary Seibel will serve as host with Meadowlands TV’s Dave Brower providing color commentary. Greg Blanchard will handle the interviews.

NYSS freshman fillies trot into Tioga Downs on Friday.

John Horne for Tioga Downs.

Three divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for 2-year-old trotting fillies take center stage at Tioga Downs on Friday (August 3).

Unbeaten Winndevie (Jim Meittinis) is the morning line favorite in the first division of the NYSS ($35,866) at 8-5.  Owned by Purple Haze Stables and trained by Trond Smedshammer, all her wins were legs of the NYSS.  The 2-year-old filly by Credit Winner-Vida De Vie, got her wins at Monticello ($26,750), Yonkers ($38,700), and Batavia Downs ($36,567).

The 2-1 second choice is Amal Hall (Marcus Miller).  Trained by Julie Miller for owners GTY Stables, Dumain Haven Farm, and Andy Miller Stables Inc., she has two wins and two seconds in her four starts.  She is a 2-year-old filly by Credit Winner-Arabella Hall.  She has won NYSS races at Monticello ($27,250) and Buffalo ($35,166).  Amal Hall lost by a neck to Winndevie the last time out at Batavia Downs.

In the second division of the NYSS ($36,566), the morning line favorite is Quincy Blue Chip (Jim Morrill Jr.) at 2-1.  The 2-year-old filly by Chapter Seven-Sirenuse, has two wins and a second in three starts.  Owned by Blue Chip Bloodstock Inc. and trained by Gareth Dowse, she has NYSS wins at Yonkers ($39,400) and Batavia Downs ($36,567).

The second choice at 3-1 is Liquorstoreblues (Kim Crawford).  Owned by Paul and trainer Shawn Warner, she has one win, two seconds, and two thirds in five lifetime starts.  Liquorstoreblues is a 2-year-old filly by Conway Hall-Blueridge Yankee.

In the third division of the NYSS ($36,566), the morning line favorite is Woodside Charm (Verlin Yoder) at 9-5.  Owned and trained by Yoder, she won in a romp in her only career start at Hoosier Park.  She is a 2-year-old filly by Chapter Seven-Fireworks Hanover.

Conway Kellyanne (Charlie Norris) is the 2-1 second morning line choice.  The 2-year-old filly by Conway Hall-Pacific Centerfold, has NYSS wins at Yonkers ($39,400) and Batavia Downs ($36,567).  She is trained by Charlie Norris for owners Carrie Norris, Acadia Farms Inc., and G&B Racing .

The 12 race card at Tioga Downs on Friday (August 3) starts at 6:15 p.m.

For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com

$1 Million Hambletonian on CBS Sports Network

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - CBS Sports Network will present a 90-minute telecast of the $1 million Hambletonian, live from The Meadowlands Racetrack, East Rutherford, N.J., on Sat., Aug. 4, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. [EDT] The Hambletonian is the first and most prestigious leg of the Trotting Triple Crown.

CBS Sports Network, which has been the broadcast home of the Hambletonian since 2012, also will air the $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks, and provide coverage of the $286,650 John Cashman Memorial Trot, featuring Horse of the Year Hannelore Hanover and 2016 Hambletonian and Triple Crown champion Marion Marauder.

“We are proud to continue the 40-year tradition of televising the Hambletonian,” said John Campbell, president and CEO of the Hambletonian Society. “Daytime harness racing is an exciting and colorful sport and I believe every year harness racing fans of all levels anticipate and expect to watch the Hambletonian on the first Saturday of August.

“Along with our broadcast partners the New Meadowlands and the United States Trotting Association, we remain committed to giving fans an entertaining and exciting TV option.”

The on-air team for the Hambletonian is a stellar trio of award-winning harness racing veterans. Gary Seibel, a former host of racing coverage on ESPN, NBC, CBS and TVG, will anchor the coverage. A member of harness racing's Communicators Hall of Fame, Seibel will be appearing on his 26th straight Hambletonian broadcast.

Dave Brower, one of harness racing's most respected handicappers, will co-anchor. Brower, a staple of The Meadowlands airwaves, hosts the nightly broadcast of  "Racing from the Meadowlands" as well as the SportsNet NY Meadowlands live television programs. Brower is an alumnus of Fox Sports New York, MSG Networks and TVG's "Drive Time". He is the author of the bestseller Harnessing Winners: The Complete Guide to Handicapping Harness Races.

New to the Hambletonian coverage this year is Canada’s Greg Blanchard. Blanchard will provide pre-and-post race interviews, along with information from the backstretch throughout the day. The Director of Racing at Ontario-based Western Fair for the past eight seasons, Blanchard has previously worked for Woodbine Entertainment Group in Toronto as a television commentator, hosting both network and simulcast broadcasts for both Standardbred and thoroughbred breeds and also served as Manager of Media Communications for the Standardbred division.

Emmy Award winner Mike Trager and the Trager Group have been executive producers of the Hambletonian broadcasts for the past 26 years. The award winning team will be lead by producer Peter Lasser and director David Newman, both Hambletonian and harness racing broadcast veterans.

Meadowlands announcer Ken Warkentin will provide his racing expertise and race call.

The 93rd Hambletonian show will re-air Saturday night, Aug. 4 at 8:30 p.m. [EDT].

CBS Sports Network, the 24-hour home of CBS Sports, is available across the country in more than 99 million homes nationwide. CBS Sports Network televises nearly 600 live events and over 3,000 hours of live programming every year including live college football, college basketball, and more from the MW, AAC, Big East, C-USA, A-10, Army, Navy, and the Patriot League. CBSSN is also the home to Professional Bull Riding and Arena Football League. For more information, and to access the CBS Sports Network channel finder, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.

DEBUT OF FRENCH-AMERICAN CLUB SERIES PART OF YONKERS’ ALL-TROT SUNDAY

BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway

YONKERS, NY, Wednesday, August 1, 2018—Yonkers Raceway’s all-trot Sunday (Aug. 5^th) matinee features a $54,800 Open Handicap Trot and the beginning of the French-American Trotting Club Series.

Post time for the 10-race card is 12:30 PM, with all races—save for the seventh—of the ‘French’ theme, as in overflow fields at the mile-and-a-quarter distance.

The weekly trotting feature begins the program, with lass NF Happenstance (Jack Parker Jr., post 5) with as much of a resume as any of her rivals. The 8-year-old  S J’s Caviar ma’am couldn’t hack a second move in her last outing, but otherwise has been a cash cow ($169,225) this season.

NF Happenstance, owned by James Moore and trained by Carol-Jamieson-Parker, has eight wins and a half-dozen seconds in 18 ’18 tries. She’s doing her damage by adroitly leaving the gate, thus won’t be hard to find early here.  

Newly-minted millionaire Dewycolorintheline (Mark MacDonald, post 2) returns to the big table in search of a third consecutive win, while The Last Chapter (Brent Holland, post 3) and Fashion Creditor (Andy Miller, post 4) also whipped lessers in their last tries.

Cash Me Out (Jim Marohn Jr., post 1) is just 2-for-20 this season, but threw in six seconds and five thirds, while Mostinterestingman (Jordan Stratton, post 6) was a two-move second in last weekend’s trotting feature.   

Races 2 and 3 comprise the first of three preliminary rounds in the French-American Trotting Club Series, restricted to those French-breds were vetted overseas, then purchased by ‘local’ interests. Of the 19 horses entered in the two races, 11 have made purse starts since arriving, with five winning at least once.

Each of the prelim races (second round is Aug. 19^th, third is Aug. 26^th) goes for $35,000, with a $120,000 final set for Sunday, Sept. 2^nd.

Note this Sunday’s ‘New York, New York Double’ consists of Saratoga’s first race (post time 1 PM) and the third from Yonkers (post time 1:30 PM). Program pages shall be sent when available.

HAMBLETONIAN DAY UNDERCARD STAKES ENTRIES

Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – These are the entries for the undercard stakes races on Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands on Saturday (Aug. 4):

$96,600 SHADY DAISY (3-year-old filly pace)

PP HORSE (DRIVER, TRAINER), ODDS

1. Believe In Me (David Miller, Brett Pelling), 15-1

2. Youaremycandygirl (Yannick Gingras, Ron Burke), 5-2

3. Dance Blue (Andrew McCarthy, Nancy Johansson), 8-1

4. Kissin In The Sand (Scott Zeron, Nancy Johansson), 2-1

5. Sansovina Hanover (Louis-Philippe Roy, Ron Burke), 10-1

6. I’m Trigger Happy (Corey Callahan, Ross Croghan), 8-1

7. Double A Mint (Matt Kakaley, Ron Burke), 12-1

8. Alexa’s Power (Tim Tetrick, Jim Campbell), 4-1

$422,350 PETER HAUGHTON MEMORIAL (2-year-old colt and gelding trot)

PP HORSE (DRIVER, TRAINER), ODDS

1. White Tiger (Anthony MacDonald, Andrew Harris), 8-1

2. Marseille (Ake Svanstedt, Ake Svanstedt), 15-1

3. Gerry (Tim Tetrick, Marcus Melander), 4-1

4. Trix And Stones (Scott Zeron, Andrew Harris), 15-1

5. Greenshoe (Brian Sears, Marcus Melander), 2-1

6. Don’t Let’em (Yannick Gingras, Jimmy Takter), 6-1

7. Mass Fortune K (Matt Kakaley, Charlie Norris), 12-1

8. Kredit Karma (David Miller, Marcus Melander), 15-1

9. Hudson River (Jimmy Takter, Jimmy Takter), 12-1

10. Green Manalishi S (Brian Sears, Marcus Melander), 5-1

$357,450 JAMES DOHERTY MEMORIAL (2-year-old filly trot)

PP HORSE (DRIVER, TRAINER), ODDS

1. Beautiful Sin (Yannick Gingras, Jimmy Takter), 5-2

2. Hanna Dreamgirl (Tim Tetrick, Linda Toscano), 7-2

3. Special Honor (Andy Miller, Julie Miller), 5-1

4. Swizzle Sticks (Andrew McCarthy, Jim Campbell), 15-1

5. The Ice Dutchess (Yannick Gingras, Jimmy Takter), 8-1

6. Starita (David Miller, Joe Holloway), 9-2

7. Fate Smiled (Andrew McCarthy, Ron Burke), 15-1

8. Jezzys Legacy (Ray Schnittker, Ray Schnittker), 20-1

9. Hanovers Best (Brett Miller, Ron Burke), 12-1

10. Whispering Oaks (Scott Zeron, Jimmy Takter), 15-1

$286,650 JOHN CASHMAN MEMORIAL (Free For All trot)

(1 1/8 miles)

PP HORSE (DRIVER, TRAINER), ODDS

1. Will Take Charge (Tim Tetrick, Jeffrey Gillis), 4-1

2. In Secret (Matt Kakaley, Ron Burke), 15-1

3. Dayson (Matt Kakaley, Ron Burke), 20-1

4. Bill’s Man (Corey Callahan, John Butenschoen), 10-1

5. International Moni (David Miller, Domenico Cecere), 15-1

6. Lindy The Great (Brian Sears, Domenico Cecere), 20-1

7. I Know My Chip (David Miller, Walter Haynes Jr.), 15-1

8. Marion Marauder (Scott Zeron, Paula Wellwood), 8-1

9. Warrawee Roo (Bob McClure, Luc Blais), 10-1

10. Yes Mickey (Ake Svanstedt, Ake Svanstedt), 30-1

11. JL Cruze (Brett Miller, Eric Ell), 5-1

12. Hannelore Hanover (Yannick Gingras, Ron Burke), 9-5

$281,000 CANE PACE (3-year-old open)

PP HORSE (DRIVER, TRAINER), ODDS

1. Babes Dig Me (Brett Miller, Tony Alagna), 10-1

2. Courtly Choice (David Miller, Blake MacIntosh), 9-5

3. Stay Hungry (Doug McNair, Tony Alagna), 4-1

4. Nutcracker Sweet (Brian Sears, Jimmy Takter), 6-1

5. Grand Teton (Andrew McCarthy, Jimmy Takter), 15-1

6. This Is The Plan (Tim Tetrick, Chris Ryder), 12-1

7. Hayden Hanover (Andy Miller, Julie Miller), 8-1

8. I’m A Big Deal (Scott Zeron, Chris Ryder), 12-1

9. American History (Yannick Gingras, Tony Alagna), 5-1

$260,100 SAM McKEE MEMORIAL (Free For All pace)

(1 1/8 miles)

PP HORSE (DRIVER, TRAINER), ODDS

1. Dealt A Winner (David Miller, Mark Silva), 10-1

2. Funknwaffles (Corey Callahan, John Butenschoen), 20-1

3. All Bets Off (Matt Kakaley, Ron Burke), 10-1

4. Rockin Ron (Louis-Philippe Roy, Ron Burke), 8-1

5. Sicily (Victor Kirby, Wayne Givens), 20-1

6. Western Joe (Scott Zeron, Chris Choate), 5-1

7. Filibuster Hanover (Yannick Gingras, Ron Burke), 10-1

8. Miso Fast (Tim Tetrick, Virgil Morgan Jr.), 4-1

9. Western Fame (Andrew McCarthy, Jimmy Takter), 20-1

10. Check Six (Tim Tetrick, Ron Burke), 30-1

11. Mach It So (David Miller, Jeffrey Bamond Jr.), 20-1

12. McWicked (David Miller, Casie Coleman), 2-1

$154,800 DR. JOHN R. STEELE MEMORIAL (Free For All mare trot)

PP HORSE (DRIVER, TRAINER), ODDS

1. P L Jill (Corey Callahan, Renaldo Morales III), 15-1

2. Broadway Donna (David Miller, Jim Campbell), 4-1

3. Dream Together (Bob McClure, Luc Blais), 15-1

4. Emoticon Hanover (Daniel Dube, Luc Blais), 5-1

5. Caprice Hill (Doug McNair, Tony Alagna), 6-1

6. Ice Attraction (Ake Svanstedt, Ake Svanstedt), 8-1

7. Checkmate Time (Donald DuPont, Marie DuPont), 20-1

8. Celebrity Ruth (Brian Sears, Trond Smedshammer), 8-1

9. Ariana G (Yannick Gingras, Jimmy Takter), 9-5

$197,400 LADY LIBERTY (Free For All mare pace)

(1 1/8 miles)

PP HORSE (DRIVER, TRAINER), ODDS

1. Shartin N (Tim Tetrick, Jim King Jr.), 9-5

2. L A Delight (Yannick Gingras, Nancy Johansson), 5-1

3. Twinkle (Jim Marohn Jr., Ross Croghan), 15-1

4. Pure Country (Brian Sears, Jimmy Takter), 4-1

5. Windsun Glory (Yannick Gingras, Ron Burke), 12-1

6. Safe From Terror (Brett Miller, Virgil Morgan Jr.), 15-1

7. Apple Bottom Jeans (Jason Bartlett, Kevin Switzer), 20-1

8. Caviart Ally (Andrew McCarthy, Noel Daley), 10-1

9. Nike Franco N (Victor Kirby, Jim King Jr.), 20-1

10. Call Me Queen Be (Scott Zeron, Ross Croghan), 20-1

11. Blue Moon Stride (Corey Callahan, Mark Harder), 15-1

12. Inverse Hanover (Brett Miller, Ed Hart), 15-1